Stockbridge in Henry County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Orphan Brigade
Photographed By David Seibert, July 2, 2011
1. The Orphan Brigade Marker
Inscription.
The Orphan Brigade. . 1864. Activities in Atlanta indicating a new offensive by Gen. Sherman’s army [US], which had occupied that area since Sept. 2nd, units of Gen. Wheeler’s cavalry corps [CS] were posted on all roads to the south. On Nov. 15th, the advance of Osterhaus’ 15th Corps [US], which had marched from White Hall (West End) via Rough and Ready that day, was halted near Stockbridge by Brig. Gen. Joseph H. Lewis’ “Orphan Brigade” (2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 9th Kentucky Mounted Infantry). Although greatly outnumbered, the Orphans delayed the enemy until flanked out of position, after which they retired in good order to Lovejoy Station. This was the first real resistance met by the Right Wing of Sherman’s army on its destructive March to the Sea. , These Kentucky regiments [CS] were “orphans” because the secession movement had failed in Kentucky, leaving them with no “home state” in the Confederacy. The Orphan Brigade was first commanded by Maj. Gen John C. Breckinridge, formerly Vice President of the United States, later Secretary of War in the Confederate Cabinet. It served with great distinction through all four years of the War Between the States.
1864. Activities in Atlanta indicating a new offensive by Gen. Sherman’s army [US], which had occupied that area since Sept. 2nd, units of Gen. Wheeler’s cavalry corps [CS] were posted on all roads to the south. On Nov. 15th, the advance of Osterhaus’ 15th Corps [US], which had marched from White Hall (West End) via Rough and Ready that day, was halted near Stockbridge by Brig. Gen. Joseph H. Lewis’ “Orphan Brigade” (2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 9th Kentucky Mounted Infantry). Although greatly outnumbered, the Orphans delayed the enemy until flanked out of position, after which they retired in good order to Lovejoy Station. This was the first real resistance met by the Right Wing of Sherman’s army on its destructive March to the Sea.
These Kentucky regiments [CS] were “orphans” because the secession movement had failed in Kentucky, leaving them with no “home state” in the Confederacy. The Orphan Brigade was first commanded by Maj. Gen John C. Breckinridge, formerly Vice President of the United States, later Secretary of War in the Confederate Cabinet. It served with great distinction through all four years of the War Between the States.
Erected 1957 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 075-2.)
Location. 33° 32.667′ N, 84° 14.099′ W. Marker is in Stockbridge, Georgia, in Henry County. Marker is at the intersection of North Henry Boulevard (U.S. 23) and Tye Street, on the right when traveling west on North Henry Boulevard. The marker stands by the parking lot for the Stockbridge Presbyterian Church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4740 North Henry Boulevard, Stockbridge GA 30281, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Looking west on North Henry Boulevard, US Highway 23, toward Atlanta
Photographed By David Seibert, July 2, 2011
3. The Orphan Brigade Marker
Looking east on North Henry Boulevard, US Highway 23, toward the railroad overpass in Stockbridge
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 4, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,087 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on July 4, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.